P-TaK : Pancha Tattva Asana Kriya – Part III

Wind Element

Wind – P-TaK

Vayu/ Wind

Element:

The Wind element signifies motion. Motion that fuels fire and can bring down trees. Wind is the very essence of Motion. Solar winds and the wind-storms of Jupiter are examples of the unimaginable power of the Wind Element. When we think speed, rapidity, onward movement, progress, blowing through obstacles, up, above and over, never stopping, this is the Power of Wind.

Character:

Wind dominant character possesses immense Prana (Life-force) power and is able to rapidly develop skills set. They carry a huge drive towards accomplishing objectives, but due to their fickle nature lose focus and are unable to make good of their rapid progress. Like the Wind, they are indecisive and unreliable. The fearless character of a Wind dominant person makes him/her an intense student on the path of Yoga. Balanced with Earth, it brings perseverance and stability in their efforts.

Padma Mayurasana

Mayurasana – PTaK

Instructions:

Keep the elbows together

Palms must be well pressed down on the floor

Keep the fingers pointing back towards the legs

Keep the forearms pressed together

Elbows must be well pressed against the navel centre

Gaze forward

Maintain the body parallel to the floor

Benefits:

Mayurasana – PTaK

Mayoorasana tones the entire digestive system and revitalizes the internal organs

Its especial benefit is in preventing stenosis, due to age, damage or genetic propensities

Vitalises the liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen.

Mayoorasana makes the digestive fire (BMR) so strong, that one can digest any type of food, reducing the production of toxins in the intestines due to undigested food. The BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is maintained at a level, where the body will have a low fat content, even into old age.

It is the most effective detoxification posture amongst all the Hatha Yoga asanas.

ParsvaKakasana

Parsva Kakasana – PTaK

Instructions:

Keep the palms well pressed on the floor

Spread out the fingers wide, and separated from each other

Keep the legs resting together on top of the upper arm

Gaze at the toes

Benefits:

Strengthens and tones the arms and shoulders.

Engages and improves muscles of the core.

Improves core balance and focus.

Helps to increase hand strength and wrist articulation.

Space Element

Akasha/ Sky or Atmosphere

Space – PTaK

Element:

The Sky is the first to manifest; all encompassing and all the other Elements arise from it. Atmosphere is the very essence of life on our planet Earth and without atmosphere there would be no possibility for carbon based organic life forms on Earth. At the same time, the atmosphere touches space at its extremity, and space is completely inimical to all lifeform. Sky, or atmosphere acts as the bridge between the vastness and insentience of deep space, and the closeness and sentience of the Planet Earth. At the dividing line between life and death, but acting as the protector of all life, Sky with its mystic power, manifesting the other elementals from itself, reigns supreme.

Character:

Sky dominant character is detached and completely cut off from his/ her own everyday reality. Being lost in Space, these ‘spaced out’ people seem to be born into a world too gross for their comfort or proper functioning. His/her interest is in the aesthetic realms or of high strategy & discovery.

However, Sky character lacks practicality and is prone to ice-cold detachment. They are also prone to anxiety and fear arising out of no reason. The element Earth plays the balancing act with Sky character and establishes the necessary groundedness. Sky is associated with the eternally ascending life-force called Udana.

Sky Asanas

Sirsasana

Sirsasana – PTaK

Instructions:

Interlock the fingers, elbows firmly placed at shoulder width on the floor

Set Crown of the head well pressed on the floor

Keep the spine straight

Maintain legs straight and placed together

Close the eyelids and relax the eyes

Sirsasana – PTaK

Benefits:

Good for internal blood circulation in the brain: The headstand pose can rejuvenate and revitalize the entire brain. Sirshasana directs an enriched oxygenated supply of blood to the brain cells and the billions of brain cells receive more nourishment.

Relieves Headache & Migraine: Sirshasana helps to relax and strengthen the compression of certain blood vessels in the brain thereby prevent the occurrence of these ailments. Note, however, that the sirshasana shouldn’t be done during the actual time of headache or migraine.

Control pituitary functions: Practicing sirshasana increases blood flow to the brain thereby revitalizes all the nervous system and the controller of the endocrine system, the pituitary. Thus, it acts like as panacea to rectify various types of glandular and nervous disorders.

Treat thyroid: It acts directly on the thyroid gland by balancing the metabolic functions. Malfunctioning of the thyroid can result in many ailments either directly or indirectly. The headstand pose helps to bring perfect health to this vital organ.

Improves vision: It improves the overall functions of eyesight, sense of smell and taste. The extra supply of blood during sirshasana helps to work the sensory organs perfectly. Various types of ailments such as myopia, astigmatism and catarrh can be reduced and even eradicated by the regular practice of sirsasana.

Skin complexion: The condition of the facial skin can also be improved through regular practice of sirshasana. Pimples and wrinkles are often caused by inadequate removal of waste materials and insufficient nourishment from the blood. Sirshasana directs an oxygen rich flow of blood to facial skin, thereby improving the facial complexion.

Removes lethargy: This asana is a tonic for those people who tire quickly. Aiding the cardiac cycle and oxygenating the blood quickly, Sirshasana vitalizes the body-mind complex rapidly.

Relives cold &cough: The lungs gain the power to resist any kind of climate and stand up to any work. Sirshasana is helpful in gaining relief from colds, coughs and tonsillitis.

RBC formation: Regular practice of sirshasana shows marked improvements in the hemoglobin content and therefore the overall oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

Pincha Mayurasana

Pincha-Mayurasana – PTaK

Instructions:

Place the Palms on the floor

Elbow should be in line with the shoulder and at 90°

Legs should be straight, together and perpendicular to the ground

Gaze between the palms

PinchaMayurasana – PTaK

Benefits:

Strengthens the arms and shoulders

Strengthens the abdominal area and is especially beneficial to the intestinal organs